Judy Lieving

Judy Lieving, 70, of Ripley, West Virginia, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia.

Born on June 3, 1955, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Judy was the daughter of the late Raymond Lieving and Frances Coleman. She dedicated more than 30 years to teaching Special Education, touching countless lives through her generosity and care. For many years she hosted lively Fourth of July picnics on her lawn along Main Street in Ripley, opening her home and heart to family, friends, and neighbors.

A longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Judy sang in the choir, served on the historian committee, worked with the food pantry, helped prepare fair booth dinners, acted as safety coordinator, and faithfully shared prayer requests with the congregation. Even while hospitalized, she remained a radiant witness to her deep faith in Christ. More than a hundred visitors came to offer prayers and support, and each left feeling uplifted by her laughter, love, and steadfast motto of “No tears.”

Judy never married, yet her family and friends were the center of her world. She cherished attending graduations, band competitions, weddings, and sporting events to cheer on her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was the heart of her family, and her presence will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her siblings, Sheila Roush and husband Ralph, Mike Lieving and wife Holly, Sue Gumm and husband Jim, and Jane Zirkle. In keeping with her wishes, Judy was cremated and no formal service was held. She believed she had already celebrated her life with every visitor who shared in her joy during her illness, and she now sings in the heavenly choir.